Kristian Steensen Nielsen
@kristiansn89.bsky.social
Assistant Professor @ Copenhagen Business School
Behavior change | climate change mitigation | environmental psychology | biodiversity conservation
Behavior change | climate change mitigation | environmental psychology | biodiversity conservation
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
You might also be interested to see how technological optimism interacts with support for climate stringency among COP delegates: doi.org/10.1038/s418...
Technology-minded climate delegates support less stringent climate policies - Nature Sustainability
Within high-level conferences devoted to climate or sustainability action, differences in views can lead to differences in policy. This study surveyed how delegates at COP24 perceived the efficacy of ...
doi.org
November 20, 2025 at 9:04 AM
You might also be interested to see how technological optimism interacts with support for climate stringency among COP delegates: doi.org/10.1038/s418...
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Walk and chew, people. Walk and chew.
⚠️ When “technology will save us” becomes a climate risk!
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
November 20, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Walk and chew, people. Walk and chew.
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
This is the problem with trying to inspire hope using the message "we have the solutions": such a message may inspire the kind of techno-optimism that actually fosters political *dis*engagement.
1/n
1/n
⚠️ When “technology will save us” becomes a climate risk!
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
November 19, 2025 at 7:32 PM
This is the problem with trying to inspire hope using the message "we have the solutions": such a message may inspire the kind of techno-optimism that actually fosters political *dis*engagement.
1/n
1/n
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Nearly every panel I spoke on this year ended with the same question: "What gives you hope?"
My friends, that question expired years ago. (If you need receipts, my book Saving Us is literally a 300-page answer.)
The real question is: How are you PRACTICING hope?
Because Greta is right ..
My friends, that question expired years ago. (If you need receipts, my book Saving Us is literally a 300-page answer.)
The real question is: How are you PRACTICING hope?
Because Greta is right ..
November 19, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Nearly every panel I spoke on this year ended with the same question: "What gives you hope?"
My friends, that question expired years ago. (If you need receipts, my book Saving Us is literally a 300-page answer.)
The real question is: How are you PRACTICING hope?
Because Greta is right ..
My friends, that question expired years ago. (If you need receipts, my book Saving Us is literally a 300-page answer.)
The real question is: How are you PRACTICING hope?
Because Greta is right ..
⚠️ When “technology will save us” becomes a climate risk!
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
November 19, 2025 at 4:26 PM
⚠️ When “technology will save us” becomes a climate risk!
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
A new paper from great colleagues takes a careful look at techno-optimism — the belief that technology will largely solve climate change — and what it means for real-world climate action.
(1/4)👇
osf.io/preprints/ps...
🐕 The climate paradox of having a dog in @grist.org 🐶
The story includes the tale of the wild and misleading media circus that followed one of our recent papers, which @dgoldwert.bsky.social navigated brilliantly! It also features @kimberlynicholas.bsky.social!
grist.org/culture/the-...
The story includes the tale of the wild and misleading media circus that followed one of our recent papers, which @dgoldwert.bsky.social navigated brilliantly! It also features @kimberlynicholas.bsky.social!
grist.org/culture/the-...
The climate paradox of having a dog
My dog contributes to climate change. I love him anyway.
grist.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
🐕 The climate paradox of having a dog in @grist.org 🐶
The story includes the tale of the wild and misleading media circus that followed one of our recent papers, which @dgoldwert.bsky.social navigated brilliantly! It also features @kimberlynicholas.bsky.social!
grist.org/culture/the-...
The story includes the tale of the wild and misleading media circus that followed one of our recent papers, which @dgoldwert.bsky.social navigated brilliantly! It also features @kimberlynicholas.bsky.social!
grist.org/culture/the-...
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Politiken dækkede rapporten med en helside af Magnus Bredsdorff, der også bragte gode perspektiver fra @kristiansn89.bsky.social og Peter Møllgaard.
politiken.dk/del/GVPnpiAF...
politiken.dk/del/GVPnpiAF...
November 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Politiken dækkede rapporten med en helside af Magnus Bredsdorff, der også bragte gode perspektiver fra @kristiansn89.bsky.social og Peter Møllgaard.
politiken.dk/del/GVPnpiAF...
politiken.dk/del/GVPnpiAF...
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions rise again in 2024, up 2.3%.
This is our collective progress, 10 years after the Paris Agreement.
www.unep.org/resources/em...
1/
This is our collective progress, 10 years after the Paris Agreement.
www.unep.org/resources/em...
1/
November 5, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions rise again in 2024, up 2.3%.
This is our collective progress, 10 years after the Paris Agreement.
www.unep.org/resources/em...
1/
This is our collective progress, 10 years after the Paris Agreement.
www.unep.org/resources/em...
1/
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
For at oversætte forskningen til almindeligt dansk:
Sorter endeligt dit affald, men tro ikke, at det har nær samme effekt som at skære ned på flyrejserne og de røde bøffer.
#dkpol #dkgreen
Sorter endeligt dit affald, men tro ikke, at det har nær samme effekt som at skære ned på flyrejserne og de røde bøffer.
#dkpol #dkgreen
⚖️ Widespread misperceptions:
Across countries, people underestimated the impact of high-carbon behaviors like flying, eating meat, and electricity supply, while overestimating the impact of low-impact actions such as recycling.
These findings perfectly align with previous studies. (3/8)
Across countries, people underestimated the impact of high-carbon behaviors like flying, eating meat, and electricity supply, while overestimating the impact of low-impact actions such as recycling.
These findings perfectly align with previous studies. (3/8)
November 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
✈️🥩♻️ How accurately do people perceive the #climate impact of different lifestyles — and how do those perceptions relate to their own behavior and policy preferences?
Our new study investigated exactly this in China, Germany, and the US.🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Our new study investigated exactly this in China, Germany, and the US.🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Climate impact perceptions and associations with reported behaviors and policy support in three countries
To accelerate climate change mitigation, substantial lifestyle changes and more ambitious climate policies are urgently needed. However, realizing beh…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM
✈️🥩♻️ How accurately do people perceive the #climate impact of different lifestyles — and how do those perceptions relate to their own behavior and policy preferences?
Our new study investigated exactly this in China, Germany, and the US.🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Our new study investigated exactly this in China, Germany, and the US.🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
A great thread I had previously missed 👇
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
November 1, 2025 at 12:09 PM
A great thread I had previously missed 👇
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Data shows wealthiest 0.1% of the US burn carbon at 4,000 times the rate of the world’s poorest 10%
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
America’s super-rich are running down the planet’s safe climate spaces, says Oxfam
Data shows wealthiest 0.1% of the US burn carbon at 4,000 times the rate of the world’s poorest 10%
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Data shows wealthiest 0.1% of the US burn carbon at 4,000 times the rate of the world’s poorest 10%
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
A must read for anyone who wants to understand behavior change as a part of climate action 👇
⭐ After quite some time in the making, I’m excited to share our new paper!🌿⭐
We examined people's climate-relevant behaviors (driving, air travel, public transport use, and meat consumption) and their perceptions of how feasible it would be to change them (+ expected wellbeing impacts).
🧵(1/4)
We examined people's climate-relevant behaviors (driving, air travel, public transport use, and meat consumption) and their perceptions of how feasible it would be to change them (+ expected wellbeing impacts).
🧵(1/4)
October 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM
A must read for anyone who wants to understand behavior change as a part of climate action 👇
⭐ After quite some time in the making, I’m excited to share our new paper!🌿⭐
We examined people's climate-relevant behaviors (driving, air travel, public transport use, and meat consumption) and their perceptions of how feasible it would be to change them (+ expected wellbeing impacts).
🧵(1/4)
We examined people's climate-relevant behaviors (driving, air travel, public transport use, and meat consumption) and their perceptions of how feasible it would be to change them (+ expected wellbeing impacts).
🧵(1/4)
October 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
⭐ After quite some time in the making, I’m excited to share our new paper!🌿⭐
We examined people's climate-relevant behaviors (driving, air travel, public transport use, and meat consumption) and their perceptions of how feasible it would be to change them (+ expected wellbeing impacts).
🧵(1/4)
We examined people's climate-relevant behaviors (driving, air travel, public transport use, and meat consumption) and their perceptions of how feasible it would be to change them (+ expected wellbeing impacts).
🧵(1/4)
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
This! 🔥👇 Couldn't agree more, thank you @kristiansn89.bsky.social
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 16, 2025 at 1:19 PM
This! 🔥👇 Couldn't agree more, thank you @kristiansn89.bsky.social
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Systems change is brought about by the collective actions of individuals.
So individual actions, when supporting systems change, is absolutely fundamental to climate action.
So individual actions, when supporting systems change, is absolutely fundamental to climate action.
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 16, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Systems change is brought about by the collective actions of individuals.
So individual actions, when supporting systems change, is absolutely fundamental to climate action.
So individual actions, when supporting systems change, is absolutely fundamental to climate action.
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
This is spot on. Taking action in my personal life also provides me with a sense of purpose and progress when the broader world often disappoints. Always remember, you make a difference.
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 16, 2025 at 3:42 PM
This is spot on. Taking action in my personal life also provides me with a sense of purpose and progress when the broader world often disappoints. Always remember, you make a difference.
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
So in short… personal change will never save the world on its own, but it is indispensable if we want the systemic change that can!
That is why the head of the OPEC has also claimed individual actions to be their biggest enemy! They know this!
That is why the head of the OPEC has also claimed individual actions to be their biggest enemy! They know this!
Olieselskabernes værste fjende er grøn, folkelig handling
Løsningen på olieselskabernes manglende klimamål er systemisk, men politikerne gør ikke noget, så længe borgerne ikke kræver det. Derfor skal vi borgere indse, at den systemiske forandring kun sker me...
www.information.dk
October 16, 2025 at 10:49 AM
So in short… personal change will never save the world on its own, but it is indispensable if we want the systemic change that can!
That is why the head of the OPEC has also claimed individual actions to be their biggest enemy! They know this!
That is why the head of the OPEC has also claimed individual actions to be their biggest enemy! They know this!
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
I cannot agree more Kristian!
I think you miss one thing though...
Western democracy is build short term renewed power intervals. That means power needs to take notes of what the people wants. And when people show power that they want change, by changing, change can happen. If they dont. It wont!
I think you miss one thing though...
Western democracy is build short term renewed power intervals. That means power needs to take notes of what the people wants. And when people show power that they want change, by changing, change can happen. If they dont. It wont!
October 16, 2025 at 10:44 AM
I cannot agree more Kristian!
I think you miss one thing though...
Western democracy is build short term renewed power intervals. That means power needs to take notes of what the people wants. And when people show power that they want change, by changing, change can happen. If they dont. It wont!
I think you miss one thing though...
Western democracy is build short term renewed power intervals. That means power needs to take notes of what the people wants. And when people show power that they want change, by changing, change can happen. If they dont. It wont!
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
This is a really important point. Changing these behaviours now does two things:
1.Makes a start on the drastic lifestyle changes and gets communities thinking creatively and in solidarity
2. Sends a strong political message to #government and #business
1.Makes a start on the drastic lifestyle changes and gets communities thinking creatively and in solidarity
2. Sends a strong political message to #government and #business
Of course, we need system-level changes! But under no circumstances should we discourage people from changing high-impact behaviors like eating less meat, reducing air travel, or consuming less. If people can change now, they should. There’s no reason to wait for the perfect system to arrive first!
October 16, 2025 at 9:33 AM
This is a really important point. Changing these behaviours now does two things:
1.Makes a start on the drastic lifestyle changes and gets communities thinking creatively and in solidarity
2. Sends a strong political message to #government and #business
1.Makes a start on the drastic lifestyle changes and gets communities thinking creatively and in solidarity
2. Sends a strong political message to #government and #business
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
A much more eloquently put thread on a point I continually find myself trying to make! #individualaction #lifestylechangenotclimatechange #flightfree
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM
A much more eloquently put thread on a point I continually find myself trying to make! #individualaction #lifestylechangenotclimatechange #flightfree
Reposted by Kristian Steensen Nielsen
Excellent thread. I agree 100% with this set of actions.
Every item I recycled, every option to avoid fossil fuel use, every alternative to electricity use, adds up over the years. Multiply by millions of people, it quickly adds up.
Paper packaging, aluminum containers, plant based cleaners…
1/
Every item I recycled, every option to avoid fossil fuel use, every alternative to electricity use, adds up over the years. Multiply by millions of people, it quickly adds up.
Paper packaging, aluminum containers, plant based cleaners…
1/
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 15, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Excellent thread. I agree 100% with this set of actions.
Every item I recycled, every option to avoid fossil fuel use, every alternative to electricity use, adds up over the years. Multiply by millions of people, it quickly adds up.
Paper packaging, aluminum containers, plant based cleaners…
1/
Every item I recycled, every option to avoid fossil fuel use, every alternative to electricity use, adds up over the years. Multiply by millions of people, it quickly adds up.
Paper packaging, aluminum containers, plant based cleaners…
1/
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 15, 2025 at 11:50 AM
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
♻️ New paper in Journal of Environmental Psychology 🙌
We examined subtraction neglect — the tendency to prioritize additive over subtractive climate strategies (e.g., buying an EV vs. flying less) when thinking about effective personal actions. Check it out! 🙃
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
We examined subtraction neglect — the tendency to prioritize additive over subtractive climate strategies (e.g., buying an EV vs. flying less) when thinking about effective personal actions. Check it out! 🙃
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Stage II Registered Report: Subtraction Neglect in Perceptions of Climate Action Strategies
Research suggests that individuals often overlook beneficial subtractive strategies when solving problems. Subtractive strategies, which include reduc…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:06 AM
♻️ New paper in Journal of Environmental Psychology 🙌
We examined subtraction neglect — the tendency to prioritize additive over subtractive climate strategies (e.g., buying an EV vs. flying less) when thinking about effective personal actions. Check it out! 🙃
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
We examined subtraction neglect — the tendency to prioritize additive over subtractive climate strategies (e.g., buying an EV vs. flying less) when thinking about effective personal actions. Check it out! 🙃
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
🌿🦋 Biodiversity conservation is, at its core, about changing human behavior.
Whether it’s the consumer choices driving unsustainable demand, land managers clearing habitats, or policymakers failing to act – #biodiversity loss is tightly bound to human behavior🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Whether it’s the consumer choices driving unsustainable demand, land managers clearing habitats, or policymakers failing to act – #biodiversity loss is tightly bound to human behavior🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Making more effective use of human behavioural science in conservation interventions
Conservation is predominantly an exercise in trying to change human behaviour – whether that of consumers whose choices drive unsustainable resource u…
www.sciencedirect.com
September 22, 2025 at 12:51 PM
🌿🦋 Biodiversity conservation is, at its core, about changing human behavior.
Whether it’s the consumer choices driving unsustainable demand, land managers clearing habitats, or policymakers failing to act – #biodiversity loss is tightly bound to human behavior🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Whether it’s the consumer choices driving unsustainable demand, land managers clearing habitats, or policymakers failing to act – #biodiversity loss is tightly bound to human behavior🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...